Spain - "The Salesians reaffirm their commitment to hospitality": World Day of Migrants and Refugees

27 September 2019

(ANS - Madrid) - "It is not just about migrants" is the motto of the 2019 World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which the Church celebrates this Sunday, September 29th. The goal of this day is to raise awareness of the reception of migrants and refugees who "are not a danger, but a help that enriches us", as the bishops of the Episcopal Commission on Migration recall in their message of the day. There is also an appeal to eradicate and prevent situations of vulnerability or disregard for human rights.

Faced with this current issue, the State Coordination of Salesian Social Platforms and its entities work to accompany the processes of reception and integration of migrants and applicants for international protection in Spain. They mainly accompany children, adolescents and young people, many of them unaccompanied, but they also develop programs to assist their families and particularly vulnerable adults. Currently, the Salesian social platforms serve more than 30,000 migrants and about 500 applicants for international protection or refugees.

Particularly noteworthy is the vast reception program for young people aged 18 to 26, applicants for international protection and refugees; during 2018, there were 38 young people from Guinea Conakry, Afghanistan, Syria and Palestine.


In addition to the work of the Salesian social platforms, the Salesians in Spain have opened the doors of their communities to accommodate migrants in need of housing, food and studies. There are Salesian centers in which some rooms have been set up to welcome them.

What remains for the young are the grateful memories of the Salesians: "As one of the young people who went through the project said: 'Thanks to Don Bosco, we have a house where we can sleep and eat.' Otherwise, we know where we would be," adds a Salesian.

With this day, the State Coordination of Salesian Social Platforms wants to join the defense of the fulfillment of Human Rights and respond to the challenge posed by contemporary migrations, welcoming, protecting, promoting and integrating as suggested by Pope Francis.


From the Salesian Social Platforms they encourage the whole society, as they did with the campaign "Your voice is also a refuge", to take a step forward for these people, giving their voice to fight false news and lies and to build a better society, more fraternal, more just and supportive, where the dignity of all people is recognized and acknowledged.

 

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ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

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